Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Rehearsals Resume January 4th, 2010
Rehearsals resume January 4th, 2010, for the Spring Concert to be held at Alpine Church on April 1oth and 11th -- "Life, Love, and Liberty."
Party at the Koldons
Last night was the annual post-concert Christmas party at the Koldon's lovely home. Here are our president, Fred, and tenor Nick and director Nick...
Edie, Helen, and Jim chuckle at Helen's antics...
Pianist Tara poses with Natalie, Karen, and our hostess, Barb...
Annmarie, Patti, Pat, and Juel smile for us...
Glynda, Pat, and Elaine enjoy the heat of the fireplace warming their backs as they eat...
Then following dinner, we adjourned to the living room for conversation and to view the DVD of our performance...
Thanks to the Koldons for opening their home for another Village Singers party!
Edie, Helen, and Jim chuckle at Helen's antics...
Pianist Tara poses with Natalie, Karen, and our hostess, Barb...
Annmarie, Patti, Pat, and Juel smile for us...
Glynda, Pat, and Elaine enjoy the heat of the fireplace warming their backs as they eat...
Then following dinner, we adjourned to the living room for conversation and to view the DVD of our performance...
Thanks to the Koldons for opening their home for another Village Singers party!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Christmas Concert 2009
This video presents brief highlights from all 16 songs from our 2009 Christmas Concert...
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
2009 Christmas Concert Preview
Here's a brief video preview of our upcoming Christmas Concert -- Joy to the World! -- to be held Saturday, December 5th at 7 pm, and Sunday, December 6th 3 pm, at Alpine Church in Lake Zurich...
Come join us this weekend! For more info, go here.
Come join us this weekend! For more info, go here.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Rehearsing for Christmas...
Rehearsals are progressing well as we prepare for our Christmas Concerts on December 5th and 6th...
A nice mix of prior chorus members and new members are working hard under the fine direction of our new director, Nick Juknelis, and we encourage all of you to mark your calendars for what is certain to be another fine concert by the Village Singers.
A nice mix of prior chorus members and new members are working hard under the fine direction of our new director, Nick Juknelis, and we encourage all of you to mark your calendars for what is certain to be another fine concert by the Village Singers.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Meet Our New Director
We are having a gathering on Saturday, August 22, at Barb Koldon's house to meet our new director, Nick Juknelis. It will be at 6:30 pm so everyone should have supper on their own and refreshments and dessert will be provided. Please plan to be there and learn about the exciting new season we have to look forward to.
Monday night rehearsals will resume on August 31 at 7:30 pm at Alpine Chapel.
Monday night rehearsals will resume on August 31 at 7:30 pm at Alpine Chapel.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Nick Juknelis Announced as Our New Director
Mr. Juknelis received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Music Education from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. While at Augustana, Mr. Juknelis served as assistant to Dr. Jon Hurty, conductor of the Augustana Choir, Chamber Singers and Handel Oratorio Society. Also active as a piano accompanist, Mr. Juknelis served as a rehearsal accompanist at Augustana for such pieces as Verdi’s Requiem and Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms.
Mr. Juknelis obtained the Master of Arts degree in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. He studied choral conducting under Dr. Timothy Stalter, a regularly heard soloist on Robert Shaw recordings, and choral literature with Dr. Richard Bloesch, an editor of the Choral Journal. While in Iowa City, he served as accompanist and rehearsal assistant at Iowa City West High School. He is also an active member of the Illinois Music Educator’s Association, the Music Educator's National Conference and the American Choral Director’s Association.
Mr. Juknelis is in his seventh year as choir director at Lake Zurich High School where he conducts Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Bare Voices, Cadet Choir and Men’s Choir. He also serves as the assistant musical director and Tri-M Music Honor Society sponsor. He and his wife Amy live in Lake Zurich and are excited to be part of such a supportive community of friends and families!
Welcome to the Village Singers of Lake Zurich, Nick!
Info from School District 95 website)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Village Singers party at Koldon's
It was a bittersweet gathering for the Village Singers of Lake Zurich yesterday -- a combination of joy and pride in another delightful performance for the community, but muted by the sadness marking the end of an era as Jeannine Saltman, our founder and director for a dozen years, has decided to retire from the chorus.
Several dozen singers again enjoyed Barb's warm hospitality at her beautiful home...
...and relished the dinner provided for us...
...and then all viewed the DVD of the concert, laughing and clapping at the appropriate places and reliving the fun and hard work of the 4 month concert season...
Three hours later it was time to bid "adieu" to Jeannine and present her with several gifts...
...and the poignant words of thanks and outpouring of love directed to Jeannine were overwhelming and the ever ebullient and gregarious Jeannine was noticeably moved.
Thanks, Jeannine and Byron -- and enjoy your retirement knowing our prayers and thoughts and love go with you in your travels!
Several dozen singers again enjoyed Barb's warm hospitality at her beautiful home...
...and relished the dinner provided for us...
...and then all viewed the DVD of the concert, laughing and clapping at the appropriate places and reliving the fun and hard work of the 4 month concert season...
Three hours later it was time to bid "adieu" to Jeannine and present her with several gifts...
...and the poignant words of thanks and outpouring of love directed to Jeannine were overwhelming and the ever ebullient and gregarious Jeannine was noticeably moved.
Thanks, Jeannine and Byron -- and enjoy your retirement knowing our prayers and thoughts and love go with you in your travels!And singers -- keep checking this site to learn who the new director will be and when rehearsals resume in the Fall.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Spring Concert 2009
A large audience attended our Spring Concert, "Something Old, Something New," to hear wonderful music and to honor our founder and director, Jeannine Saltman, who announced her retirement from the group. Her tireless energy, expertise, organizational skill, and passion will be greatly missed. Here she is delivering yet another delightful performance to the audience...
The entire chorus will miss Jeannine's bubbly attitude, upbeat personality, and infectious love of music, and everyone gave their all for her today...
Soloists Jan and Dave, joined by Katie who is signing, lead the chorus in the poignant "In Our Children's Eyes..."
Jeannine joined Earl, Joe, and Carol as "Reminisce" singing the old favorite "Begin the Beguine"...
... and "N Tune," composed of Kathy, Barb K., Barb P., and Juel, entertained us with "I Hope You Dance," dedicated to their 11 children and 5 grandchildren, photos of whom were displayed on the screen behind them as they sang...
Comedy was again provided by Helen, Eva, and Chuck singing "Yellow Submarine"...
Newcomer Greg brought the house down his his lively version of "Up On The Roof"...
Another important cog in the chorus wheel is Jeannine's husband, Byron, whose behind the scenes efforts conribute mightily to our success. He wears many hats for us -- serving as number one roadie, master of ceremonies for the concerts, salesman for program ads, and computer expert -- creating the program, CDs, DVDs, etc. Here he emcees the door prize drawings during the intermission, assisted by Jacob and Sienna...
Thanks, Jeannine and Byron -- you have created, nurtured, and sustained the Village Singers of Lake Zurich for a dozen years. We thank you and love you and wish you well as you pursue your other passions in retirement!
More photos of the concert here.
The entire chorus will miss Jeannine's bubbly attitude, upbeat personality, and infectious love of music, and everyone gave their all for her today...
Soloists Jan and Dave, joined by Katie who is signing, lead the chorus in the poignant "In Our Children's Eyes..."
Jeannine joined Earl, Joe, and Carol as "Reminisce" singing the old favorite "Begin the Beguine"...
... and "N Tune," composed of Kathy, Barb K., Barb P., and Juel, entertained us with "I Hope You Dance," dedicated to their 11 children and 5 grandchildren, photos of whom were displayed on the screen behind them as they sang...
Comedy was again provided by Helen, Eva, and Chuck singing "Yellow Submarine"...
Newcomer Greg brought the house down his his lively version of "Up On The Roof"...
Another important cog in the chorus wheel is Jeannine's husband, Byron, whose behind the scenes efforts conribute mightily to our success. He wears many hats for us -- serving as number one roadie, master of ceremonies for the concerts, salesman for program ads, and computer expert -- creating the program, CDs, DVDs, etc. Here he emcees the door prize drawings during the intermission, assisted by Jacob and Sienna...
Thanks, Jeannine and Byron -- you have created, nurtured, and sustained the Village Singers of Lake Zurich for a dozen years. We thank you and love you and wish you well as you pursue your other passions in retirement!
More photos of the concert here.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
New Location for Spring Concert
The Spring Concerts will be held on
Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3rd at 1:30 p.m.
at our new location
Alpine Chapel
23153 W. Miller Road (just east of Route 12)
Lake Zurich
for info call 847-726-2011
(click to enlarge map)
Ticket prices:
Adult $8
Senior $5
Children under 12 free
Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3rd at 1:30 p.m.
at our new location
Alpine Chapel
23153 W. Miller Road (just east of Route 12)
Lake Zurich
for info call 847-726-2011
(click to enlarge map)
Ticket prices:Adult $8
Senior $5
Children under 12 free
Monday, January 5, 2009
Update: New Concert Season Begins...
... with the first practice on Monday, January 12th, 2009, at 7:30 pm at Lakeview Community Church. Contact Jeannine at (847) 726-2011 for information. We are a non-auditioned chorus and ALL are invited to join us as we make wonderful music, make new friends, party, and laugh a bunch.
Jeannine gives a sneak preview of 3 of the new songs for the Spring concert:
"I'm really excited about the music I have chosen. I'll start with the music from Jersey Boys. It's sentimental and fun with brand new arrangements of several songs from the Broadway show.
"I'm also selecting In Our Children's Eyes. The description on the Alfred Publishing website says: We celebrate a joyful sight: our future shining bright tonight. It’s reflected in our children's eyes. This stirring new inspirational choral was recently premiered at the Macy’s 4th of July televised celebration in New York City, as performed by Anika Noni Rose. Written by Stephen Flaherty, the famed composer of Ragtime, and arranged for choirs by Jay Althouse. Stunning as a finale or joint concert selection.
"They Can't Take That Away from Me is one of the most charming songs from the great era of American popular song. The way you wear your hat, the way you sip your tea ... no, no, they can’t take that away from me. The unhurried swing feel of this arrangement is right on target for the sophisticated Gershwin style. Strong voice writing and supportive piano accompaniment.
"As in the past will add some old favorites to complement the fresh new songs described above."
Jeannine gives a sneak preview of 3 of the new songs for the Spring concert:
"I'm really excited about the music I have chosen. I'll start with the music from Jersey Boys. It's sentimental and fun with brand new arrangements of several songs from the Broadway show.
"I'm also selecting In Our Children's Eyes. The description on the Alfred Publishing website says: We celebrate a joyful sight: our future shining bright tonight. It’s reflected in our children's eyes. This stirring new inspirational choral was recently premiered at the Macy’s 4th of July televised celebration in New York City, as performed by Anika Noni Rose. Written by Stephen Flaherty, the famed composer of Ragtime, and arranged for choirs by Jay Althouse. Stunning as a finale or joint concert selection.
"They Can't Take That Away from Me is one of the most charming songs from the great era of American popular song. The way you wear your hat, the way you sip your tea ... no, no, they can’t take that away from me. The unhurried swing feel of this arrangement is right on target for the sophisticated Gershwin style. Strong voice writing and supportive piano accompaniment.
"As in the past will add some old favorites to complement the fresh new songs described above."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Party at Barb's
Last night, the Village Singers again gathered at the home of hostess extraordinaire, Barb, to celebrate another successful and well-attended concert series, and have some relaxation and social time after months of Monday evenings of dedicated work.
Below (l to r) Earl, Juel, Terry, Glynda, Pat, Eva, Helen, Gwen, and Marcie pause from watching the DVD of the concert to pose for the camera.
Singers Kathy, Karen, Barb, Jim, and Carol converse around the kitchen table (to stay close to the food perhaps?)
Helen, Ellen, Chuck, and Nick share the couch...
...as Jeannine, Lauryl, and Glynda relish the warmth of both their friends and the fire...
... and Juel, Marcie, Pat, Cory, Jim, Gwen, and Fred view the concert DVD.
Thanks again to our director, Jeannine, for another wonderful concert season, and to Barb for another convivial get-together.
Below (l to r) Earl, Juel, Terry, Glynda, Pat, Eva, Helen, Gwen, and Marcie pause from watching the DVD of the concert to pose for the camera.
Singers Kathy, Karen, Barb, Jim, and Carol converse around the kitchen table (to stay close to the food perhaps?)
Helen, Ellen, Chuck, and Nick share the couch...
...as Jeannine, Lauryl, and Glynda relish the warmth of both their friends and the fire...
... and Juel, Marcie, Pat, Cory, Jim, Gwen, and Fred view the concert DVD.
Thanks again to our director, Jeannine, for another wonderful concert season, and to Barb for another convivial get-together.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Good morning everyone, I'm listening to the video of Sunday nights show and it was magnificent. It was almost flawless!! I think this may have been our best concert ever. Many of my friends are thinking about joining us in January. Have a great holiday and I'll see you on Jan 5. Love you all, Jeannine
2008 Christmas Concert
The 12th Christmas Concert by the vaunted Village Singers of Lake Zurich again set attendance records with over 350 enjoying the two performances.
Barb and Joe sang the poignant "My Grownup Christmas List.."
... and long-time chorus member Gwen continued her tradition of writing a letter incorporating all 27 song titles...
"Reminisce" is composed of Jeannine and Earl, the director and associate director, and two soloists, Joe and Carol, shown below singing "Perfect Christmas Night."
During the intermission, the singers stayed loose by posing for the camera. Here are the ladies of the chorus...
... and the men...
Kathy, Juel, and the two Barbs, also known as "N' Tune" delighted the audience with "Hold the Light."
The chorus members have a unified goal after each performance -- unwind and socialize! We always patronize Lake Zurich restaurants, with Giordano's as the location after Sunday's concert, and below is the group at Hackney's after Saturday's gig...
Another chorus tradition is gathering at the home of hostess extaordinaire Barb's for a party after all the season's work is done. The get-together is Monday night, after which I'll post photos of the festivities.
Over two dozen additional photos of the concerts are available in my photo gallery here. These photos can be downloaded, and if you have additional photos, you may upload them to the gallery for others to enjoy.
Barb and Joe sang the poignant "My Grownup Christmas List.."
... and long-time chorus member Gwen continued her tradition of writing a letter incorporating all 27 song titles...
"Reminisce" is composed of Jeannine and Earl, the director and associate director, and two soloists, Joe and Carol, shown below singing "Perfect Christmas Night."
During the intermission, the singers stayed loose by posing for the camera. Here are the ladies of the chorus...
... and the men...
Kathy, Juel, and the two Barbs, also known as "N' Tune" delighted the audience with "Hold the Light."
The chorus members have a unified goal after each performance -- unwind and socialize! We always patronize Lake Zurich restaurants, with Giordano's as the location after Sunday's concert, and below is the group at Hackney's after Saturday's gig...
Another chorus tradition is gathering at the home of hostess extaordinaire Barb's for a party after all the season's work is done. The get-together is Monday night, after which I'll post photos of the festivities.
Over two dozen additional photos of the concerts are available in my photo gallery here. These photos can be downloaded, and if you have additional photos, you may upload them to the gallery for others to enjoy.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Grinch Steals Christmas...
... and Eva and Chuck may even steal the show!
Come to our performances tonight and tomorrow afternoon and see for yourself!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Concert week is here...
... for the Village Singers of Lake Zurich. Ellen and Chuck the Younger arrived early for the final Monday night rehearsal to assist Chuck the Elder with supplementary spotlight setup...
... before the singing began. All 12 songs were done by memory for the first time, letting us all know where we needed more personal work to "fine tune" words and note memorization for Friday's dress rehearsal.
Tara, our accompanist extraordinaire, mugs for the camera between selections. Without her talent and dedication, we would not be the stellar group we are!
The concerts will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2008 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 7th, at 3 pm and will feature these traditional and sacred selections by the chorus:
"A Baby Is the King"
"Alle, Allelu"
"Angels In Seven"
"Children, Go Tell It"
"Christmas Time Is Here"
Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"
"Jazz Jingle"
"Santa's On His Way Medley"
"Sleigh Ride"
"Swingin' At Santa's Place"
"There Is A Season"
"We Need A Little Christmas"
.. as well as a lineup of solos, duets, and small group numbers. Of course, a few surprises will also be included along with the traditional free raffle with door prizes that include gift cards totaling $300.00 from local restaurants! And it all is available for the low price of $8 ($5 for seniors.) So plan on attending!
... before the singing began. All 12 songs were done by memory for the first time, letting us all know where we needed more personal work to "fine tune" words and note memorization for Friday's dress rehearsal.
Tara, our accompanist extraordinaire, mugs for the camera between selections. Without her talent and dedication, we would not be the stellar group we are!
The concerts will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2008 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 7th, at 3 pm and will feature these traditional and sacred selections by the chorus:
"A Baby Is the King"
"Alle, Allelu"
"Angels In Seven"
"Children, Go Tell It"
"Christmas Time Is Here"
Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"
"Jazz Jingle"
"Santa's On His Way Medley"
"Sleigh Ride"
"Swingin' At Santa's Place"
"There Is A Season"
"We Need A Little Christmas"
.. as well as a lineup of solos, duets, and small group numbers. Of course, a few surprises will also be included along with the traditional free raffle with door prizes that include gift cards totaling $300.00 from local restaurants! And it all is available for the low price of $8 ($5 for seniors.) So plan on attending!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Christmas Concert Press Release
The Village Singers, under the direction of Jeannine Saltman, will present their twelfth annual Christmas concert, “A Village Christmas,” on Saturday Dec 6 at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday Dec 7 at 3:00 P.M... The concerts will be held at the Lakeview Community Church, 330 S. Old Rand Rd, in Lake Zurich.
The program will have many familiar holiday songs such as “Sleigh Ride”, “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and “We Need a Little Christmas” from the musical “Mame”. It will also feature music from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the popular Dr. Seuss musical “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” and “A Perfect Christmas Night.”
The second half of the concert will focus on the Christmas story with the lush harmonies of “A Baby is the King” and “There is a Season” followed by the lively “Angels in Seven.”
Many of the group’s talented soloists and ensembles will also entertain, giving the evening an energetic as well as a solemn beginning to the holiday. During the finale, members of the audience will be invited to join the chorus in “The Hallelujah Chorus.”
A complimentary reception will also be held after each concert at which time the chorus will be available to mingle with the audience. This is a wonder family event that will usher in the holiday season.
The Village Singers is sponsored by the Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Department and is open to all area singers High School age through senior citizens. The group practices Monday evenings at 7:30 at the Lakeview Community Church.
Tickets for the concert may be purchased at the door or from a member of the chorus. The price is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors. As always children are admitted free. For more information on the concert or joining the group please call (847) 726-2011.
The program will have many familiar holiday songs such as “Sleigh Ride”, “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and “We Need a Little Christmas” from the musical “Mame”. It will also feature music from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the popular Dr. Seuss musical “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” and “A Perfect Christmas Night.”
The second half of the concert will focus on the Christmas story with the lush harmonies of “A Baby is the King” and “There is a Season” followed by the lively “Angels in Seven.”
Many of the group’s talented soloists and ensembles will also entertain, giving the evening an energetic as well as a solemn beginning to the holiday. During the finale, members of the audience will be invited to join the chorus in “The Hallelujah Chorus.”
A complimentary reception will also be held after each concert at which time the chorus will be available to mingle with the audience. This is a wonder family event that will usher in the holiday season.
The Village Singers is sponsored by the Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Department and is open to all area singers High School age through senior citizens. The group practices Monday evenings at 7:30 at the Lakeview Community Church.
Tickets for the concert may be purchased at the door or from a member of the chorus. The price is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors. As always children are admitted free. For more information on the concert or joining the group please call (847) 726-2011.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rehearsals are in progress...
Jeannine is working us hard in preparation for our annual Christmas Concerts on Saturday, December 6th, 2008 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 7th, at 3 pm, and we are responding with excellent results (she says!)
We even split into sectionals in order to make the best use of our limited rehearsal time so we can master the new songs. Here are the tenors and basses under the able direction of assistant director Fred and accompanist Tara...
... so get your tickets now from any chorus member -- only $8 per person!
We even split into sectionals in order to make the best use of our limited rehearsal time so we can master the new songs. Here are the tenors and basses under the able direction of assistant director Fred and accompanist Tara...
... so get your tickets now from any chorus member -- only $8 per person!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Christmas Concert 2008 Songs
The rehearsals are well underway already as we practice the following songs for the concerts on Saturday, December 6th, 2008 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 7th, at 3 pm:
"A Baby Is the King"
"Alle, Allelu"
"Angels In Seven"
"Children, Go Tell It"
"Christmas Time Is Here"
Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"
"Jazz Jingle"
"Santa's On His Way Medley"
"Sleigh Ride"
"Swingin' At Santa's Place"
"There Is A Season"
"We Need A Little Christmas"
PLUS a lineup of surprises! So plan on attending!
"A Baby Is the King"
"Alle, Allelu"
"Angels In Seven"
"Children, Go Tell It"
"Christmas Time Is Here"
Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"
"Jazz Jingle"
"Santa's On His Way Medley"
"Sleigh Ride"
"Swingin' At Santa's Place"
"There Is A Season"
"We Need A Little Christmas"
PLUS a lineup of surprises! So plan on attending!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Rehearsals for Christmas Concert...
... begin on Monday, August 18th, 2008, at 7:30 pm at Lakeview Community Church. Contact Jeannine at (847) 726-2011 for information. We are a non-auditioned chorus and ALL are invited to join us as we make wonderful music and have a ton of fun doing it.
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